17alpha-alka-1&#39;,3&#39;-diynyl steroids and process for preparing same



United States Patent 3,463,796 170c-ALKA-1',3'-DIYNYL STEROIDS AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING SAME Peter Feather and Vladimir Petrow, London, England, assiguors to The British Drug House Limited No Drawing. Filed June 23, 1966, Ser. No. 559,737 Claims priority, application Great Britain, July 2, 1965, 28,063/ 65 Int. Cl. C07c 167/20, 169/10; A61k 17/00 U.S. Cl. 260397.4 20 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention is for improvements in or relating to organic compounds and has particular reference to a new class of steroidal materials, namely the 17a-alka*1',3-di ynyl derivatives of perhydrocyclopentenophenanthrene and to a process for their preparation. The new compounds have utility for the control of fertility and other conditions of the reproductive system. They are produced by alkylating metal derivatives of the corresponding 17mbutadiynyl steroids.

The new compounds of the present invention have valuable biological properties. They may possess hormonal and anti-hormonal properties including oestrogenic, progestational, claudogenic, ovulation-inhibiting and gonadotrophin-inhibiting properties, which render the compounds of value in preparations for the control of fertility and in preparations for the treatment of a wide range of conditions and defects of the reproductive system. In general the Ring A aromatic compounds of the present invention may possess oestrogenic, claudogenic and gonadotrophin-inhibiting properties while the 3-oxo-A and 19- nor-compounds of the present invention may possess progestational and ovulation-inhibiting properties. The compounds of the present invention may be administered in the form of tablets, pills, injections, vaginal tampons and other standard pharmaceutical preparations.

It is an object of the present invention to provide new 17u-alka-1,3'-diynyl steroids having the partial Formula 1 below.

According to the present invention there is provided a process [for the preparation of 17aalka-1,3-diynyl steroids having the partial formula --CEGCECR /17\ where R is an alkyl group containing not more than 5 carbon atoms and R is H, Me, Et or tetrahydropyranyl which process comprises alkylating under anhydrous conditions a metal derivative of the corresponding 17a-butadiynyl steroid having the partial formula "CEO-CECE where R has the same meaning as above.

The reaction may be represented thus:

/17 CECOEC (metal) R halide (or equivalent thereof) 3,463,796 Patented Aug. 26, 1969 is reacted with the appropriate alkyl halide in a suitable anhydrous medium, which is preferably a mixture of liquid ammonia and a non-hydroxylic organic solvent such for example as ether or tetrahydrofuran. The alkalimetal derivative, which is advantageously the sodium derivative, of the 17u-butadiynyl steroid may conveniently be prepared by adding a solution of the steroid in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran to the amide of the alkali-metal in liquid ammonia and stirring the mixture for up to 1 hour, or longer. The halide, which is advantageously the iodide, in quantity equivalent to the amide of the alkalimetal, or in slight excess thereof, dissolved if desired in an anhydrous organic solvent such as ether or tetrahydrofuran, may then be added, and the reaction allowed to proceed while the mixture is stirred for up to 24 hours, or longer, at a temperature between ca C. and the reflux temperature of the mixture. The mixture may then be. poured on to ice, or treated with solid ammonium chloride, the ammonia allowed to evaporate and water added, and the steroidal product may be collected by filtration or by extraction with a suitable organic solvent such as ether. The product may be purified by chromatography and/or crystallisation from a. suitable solvent.

It has previously been shown (cf German Patent 1,062,698, and Belgian Patent No. 636,603) that a hydroxy group may react with an alkali-metal amide to form an alkali-metal derivative which may react with alkyl halides, including in particular methyl iodide and ethyl iodide, to form a 17fl-alky1 ether. Thus we have found that the application of the process of the invention to a 17a-butadiynyl-17fi-hydroxy steroid with a molar ratio of sodamide to steroid not less than approximately 2:1, employing methyl or ethyl iodide as the alkyl halide, results directly in the formation of the corresponding l7a-alka-1',3-diynyl-17;8-alkoxy steroid as the main product (where R=R=Me or Et), while by using equimolar quantities of sodamide and steroid, there is obtained a mixture containing the 17a-alka-l',3-diynyl-17fi-alkoxy steroid, the l7u-butadiynyl#17fi-alkoxy steroid and unchanged 17u-butadiynyl-17/3-hydroxy steroid, which can be separated by thin layer chromatography and/or fractional crystallisation.

When R is lower alkyl or tetrahydropyranyl in (II), it is advantageous to employ the alkali-metal amide in moderate excess, for example a 3-fold excess, when a favourable yield of the w-substituted butadiynyl derivative may be obtained. Resulting l7a-a1ka-1',3-diynyl-17B-tetrahydro-2'-pyranyloxy steroids may be converted, if desired, by hydrolysis in presence of acid, into the corresponding 17u-alka-1',3'-diynyl-17fi-hydroxy steroids. The resulting 17u-alka-1,3'-diynyl-l7,8-hydroxy steroids may be converted, if desired, into corresponding l7fi-alkoxy steroids, for example, by treatment with sodamide and the appropriate alkyl iodide in liquid ammonia.

When the alkali-metal derivative is the lithium derivative we have found that the application of the process of the invention to a 17a-butadiynyl-l7fl-hydroxy steroid employing a molar ratio of lithamide to steroid of not less than 1:1 (for example a 4-fold excess), employing methyl or ethyl iodide as the alkyl halide results in the [formation of the corresponding 17a-alka-1',3'-diynyl-17p-hydroxy steroid.

The steroidal starting materials used in the process of the invention may be (a) l7a-butadiynyl-17fl-hydroxysteroids having the partial formula --CEC-CECH and may be prepared from appropriate l7-oxo steroids by the general process described by C. Burgess, D. Burn,

U (L--CECCECH which may be prepared from 17a-butadiynyl-17p-hydroxysteroids by treatment with dihydropyran and a suitable catalyst such as p-toluene-sulphonic acid; or (c) 170cbutadiynyl-l7 3-methoxy and l7a-butadiynyl-l7fi-ethoxy steroids having the partial formula where R is Me or Et, which are formed when a 1741- butadiynyl-l7 3-hydroxy steroid is reacted with equimolar proportions of sodamide and the alkyl iodide and may be isolated by, for example, thin-layer chromatography. The steroidal starting materials may belong to standard steroidal series, such for example as the androstane, 19- nonandrostane, oestrane or oestratriene series.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the process of the invention may be applied to steroids containing, in addition to the 17ot-butadiyny1 and 17fi-hydroxy, 17fl-methoxy, l7fl-ethoxy or 17;8-tetrahydro-2- pyranyloxy groups, a variety of substituents and unsaturated linkages in Rings A, B, C and D.

Hydroxyl groups, and in particular, hydroxyl groups at C C C C C and C may undergo alkylation during the process of the invention unless protected, for example by conversion into a tetrahydro-2'-pyranyloxy group and subsequently regenerated. The conversion of the hydroxyl group into a tetrahydro-2-pyranyloxy group may be carried out on the appropriate 17-oxo-steroid prior to its conversion into the 17a-butadiynyl-17fl-hydroxy-group, if so desired.

Acyloxy groups will, in general, be hydrolysed by the process of the invention, and may require subsequent regeneration.

Alkoxy groups including dialkylaminoalkoxy groups at C C C and C do not interfere with the process of the invention.

Alkyl and alkenyl groups containing up to 3 carbon atoms, and, in particular, methyl or methylene groups at C C C C C C and C will not, in general, interfere with the process of the invention.

Unsaturated linkages, and in particular such linkages at 1 2 3 4, 5 suo) C6: 7 37 am) 9, am C and C and combinations of such unsaturated linkages including aromatic Rings A and/or B will not, in general, interfere with the process of the invention.

Carbonyl groups, and in particular such groups at C C C C and C may interfere with the process of the invention and are preferably protected by, for example, conversion into a ketal, enol ether or enamine, and subsequently regenerated if so desired.

New l7u-a1ka-1,3'-diynyl steroids provided by the present invention may belong to the androstane, 19-norandrostane, oestrane, oestratriene series and may optionally contain:unsaturated linkages at Al, A2, A3, A4, A5, A5(10), A6, A7, A8, A9, A9(l1), All or A14, or combinations of two or more such unsaturated linkages; hydroxyl groups at C C C C C C or C or derived acyloxy groups containing not more than 5 carbon atoms, or combinations of two or more such groups; alkyl or alkenyl groups containing up to 3 carbon atoms, at C C C C C or C or combinations of two or .4 more such groups; carbonyl groups at C C C C 01' C or combinations of two or more such groups.

The new 17a-a1ka-1,3-diynyl steroids of the present invention may have one of the following formulae:

where R"=H, OH, or OR and R'=H or Me (where R =a1kyl containing not more than 12 carbon atoms) X RIII( where R"=H or: O, and R"'=H or Me fi] .n-

where R"=alkyl group containing up to 5 carbon atoms Me I where R"=H or Me where R"=Me or Et, and R"'=H or Me and OR x= ECCECR EXAMPLE 1 Liquid ammonia (100 ml.) containing sodium (0.5 g.) and a trace of ferric nitrate was stirred until the. blue colour disappeared and then cooled to -60 C. 170:- butadiynyl-3-methoxy-oestra 1,3,5 )-trien-17,8-ol (2.8 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (40 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 30 minutes. Methyl iodide (1.4 ml.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (6 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours and poured on to ice. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, the ethereal solution was evaporated at reduced pressure, and the residue, purified by chromatography on alumina, eluting with toluene, and by crystallisation from methanol, afforded 3,17fi-dimethoxy-17upenta-1,3'-diynyl-oestra-1,3,5(l0)-triene, M.P. 112.5" C., [a] 62 (c, 0.24 in dioxan), Amax, 220 mu (5, 8850), A 278 m, (e, 2040), A 286 my. (6, 1910),

The product is a potent oestrogen and claudogenic agent. Thus, in the rat, the product has 10 times the uterotrophic activity of ethynyl oestradiol and 30 times the claudogenic activity of ethynyl oestradiol in the same animal species.

By applying the method of Example 1 to 17a-butadinynyl-19-norandrost-4-en-17fl-ol (British Patent No. 961,502) or to 17u-butadiynyl-6a-methyl-19-norandrost- 4-en-17/8-ol (prepared from the 17-oxo-analogue by reaction With the sodium derivative of butadiyne, by the procedures described in British specification No. 961,502) there may be prepared 17/3-methoxy-l7a-penta-1',3'- dinyl- 19 -norandrost-4-ene and 17/3-methoxy-6ot-meth l- 17a-penta-1,3-diyny1-19-norandrost-4-ene.

EXAMPLE 2 3,17fl-dimethoxy-17-penta-13'-diynyl-oestra- 1,3,5(10) -triene Liquid ammonia (200 ml.) containing sodium (0.32 g.) and a trace of ferric nitrate was stirred until the blue colour disappeared, and then cooled to 60 C. 17abutadiynyl-3-methoxyoestra-1,3,5 (10)-trien-17B-ol (4.65 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 10 minutes. Methyl iodide (4.5 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, the ethereal solution Was evaporated at reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by thin-layer chromatography on silica-gel, eluting with benzene, and by crystallisation from methanol affording 2,17 8-dimethoxy 17cc penta-l,3'-diynyl-oestra-1,3,5(10)-triene, identical with the product of Example 1; 3,17B-dimethoxy- 17a-butadiynyl-oestra-1,3,5(10)-triene, kmax' 278.5 mp1 (2, 1920), 287 m (e, 1815);

OHzOIz max.

was also obtained.

6 EXAMPLE 3 3,17/3-dimethoxy-17a-penta-1',3 -diynyl-oestra- 2,5 10') -diene OMe fi ozc-ozo-cn.

MeO I i Liquid ammonia (200 ml.) containing sodium (0.75 g.) and a trace of ferric nitrate was stirred under reflux until the blue colour disappeared, and then cooled to 60 C. 1701 butadiynyl 3 methoxy oestra 2, 5(10)-dien-17;3-ol (3.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ml.) was added during 10 minutes, and the mixture was stirred for a further 30 minutes. Methyl iodide (4.0 ml.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran 10 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours. Ammonium chloride (9 g.) was added, the ammonia was allowed to evaporate, water was added and the steroidal product was recovered by extraction with ether, and recrystallised from methanol containing a trace of pyridine, affording 3,17fi-dimethoxy-17a-penta- 1,3 '-diynyl-oestra-2,5 10) -diene,

15 5,1 2913, 2883, 2823, 2253, 1696, 1665.5, 1411.5, 1395.5 emf The product has uterotrophic and oestrogenic activity.

The product may be hydrolysed to yield the 3-oxo- M -cue derivative.

17 tat-penta-1',3'-diynyl-17;3-methoxy-19- norandrost-4-en-3-one OMe Me oEo-oEo-cH= Dilute hydrochloric acid (3 N; 52.8 ml.) was added to 3,1718 dimethoxy 17cc penta 1,3 diynyl oestra- 2,5(l0)-diene (1.6 g.) in methanol (88 ml.) and the mixture was warmed at 60-65" C. for 15 minutes, cooled and poured into water. The steroidal product was collected by extraction with ether and purified by chromatography on alumina, eluting with toluene, atfording 17ozpenta-1',3diynyl-17,8-methoxy-19-norar1drost-4-en-3-one,

C 014 'max.

Me aze-050m Anhydrous p-toluene-sulphonic acid (0.5 g.) in toluene (50 ml.) was added during 5 minutes to a stirred solution of 17a-butadiynyl-androst-5-en-3B,17,6-diol (4.56 g.) and dihydropyran (24 ml.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (80 ml.) at 10 C. and the mixture was stored in the dark at room temperature for 2 days and then poured into a saturated aqueous solution of potassium bicarbonate in water (200 ml.). The steroidal product was extracted with ether and crystallised from aqueous methanol containing a trace of pyridine, affording 3 3,17B-bis(tetrahydro 2' pyranyloxy) 17 butadiynyl androst ene, sufiiciently pure for the next step, M.P. 6873 C.,

Liquid ammonia (140 ml.) containing sodium (1.0 g.) and a trace of ferric nitrate was stirred under reflux until the blue colour disappeared and then cooled to -60 C. 3 3,175 bis(tetrahydro 2' pyranyloxy) 17a b11- tadiynyl-androst-S-ene (4.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (60 ml.) was added during minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 30 minutes. Ethyl iodide (8.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.) Was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 4 hours while being allowed to warm to reflux temperature and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was collected by extraction with ether, dissolved in ethanol and treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.25 g.) with gentle heating. Water was added until crystallisation occurred and, after cooling, the steroidal product was collected and crystallised from aqueous ethanol, afiording 17a-hexa-1',3'-diynyl-androst- 5-en-3 3,17Bdiol, M.P. 144 to 145 C., [u] -159 (c, 0.6 in dioxan).

The 6-methyl derivative may be prepared in the same way.

EXAMPLE 5 OMe Me -czcwz C-Me Liquid ammonia (75 ml.) containing sodium (0.46 g.) and a trace of ferric nitrate was stirred under reflux un. til the blue colour disappeared and then cooled to -60 C. 17a butadiynyl 3 methoxy 6 methyl 19- norandrosta-3,5-dien-17 8-01 (1.75 g.) (British Patent No. 961,502) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (25 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 30 minutes. Methyl iodide (3.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours while being allowed to warm to reflux temperature, and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product 17a-penta- 1',3 diynyl 3,17fi dimethoxy 6 methyl 19 norandrosta-3,5-diene 247 Ill 1. (6 19,265)

1532240, 1053 and 1624 cmf was collected by extraction with ether, dissolved in methanol (100 ml.), treated at 60 C. for minutes with 3 N hydrochloric acid (50 ml.), and recovered by dilution with water and extraction with ether. Recrystallisation from aqueous methanol afforded 17a-penta-1',3'-diynyl- 17/8 methoxy 6a methyl l9 norandrost 4 en- 3-one, Amax, 240 III/1. (e, 15310),

vggg 2278, 1682, 1620 em:

8 EXAMPLE 6 17a-penta-l',3-diynyl-3-methoxy-oestra-1,3,5 10). trien-17fi-ol 0H Me 2,3-dihydropyran (7.5 ml.) and phosphoryl chloride (0.06 ml.) were added to 17a-butadiynyl-3-methoxyoestra-l,3,5(10)-triene-17 8-ol (3.0 g.) in anhydrous tetra hydrofuran (150 ml.). The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 /2 hours and then poured into an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, recovered by evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure, dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ml.) and added to sodamide, prepared from sodium (0.23 g.), in liquid ammonia (200 ml.), at -60 C. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, treated with methyl iodide (2.5 ml.) in tetrahydrofuran (20 ml.), stirred for a further 2 hours, and poured on to ice. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, recovered by evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure, and purified from methanol containing a drop of pyridine, aifording 3-methoxy-17 x-penta-1,3- diynyl-17fi-tetrahydro-pyranyloxy-oestra- 1,3 ,5 10) -triene. This was dissolved in methanol ml.), a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added, the solution was boiled for 5 minutes and poured into water. The steroidal product was collected by extraction with ether and purified by chromatography on an alumina column, eluting with toluene, and by crystallisation, aifording t-penta-1',3'- diynyl 3 methoxy-oestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 3-ol, M.P. 131.5 C., [@15 50 (c, 1.0 dioxan) A 279 III/L (e 2,030), 287 my (6 1,940)

1,9,3; 1253, 1043 cmf 5,33 3607, 2240, 1e09, 1592 GEL-1 EXAMPLE 7 4-methyl-17 3-methoxy-17u-penta-1',3'-diynyl-oestra- 1,3,5 (10) -triene Liquid ammonia (100 ml.) containing sodium (0.5 g.) and a trace of ferric nitrate was stirred until the blue colour disappeared and then cooled to 60 C. 170cbutadiynyl 4 methyl-oestra-1,3,5 (10)-trien-17fl-ol (2.65 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (40 ml.) was added during 10 minutes. The mixture was stirred for a further 30 minutes. Methyl iodide (1.4 ml.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (6 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours and poured on to ice. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, the ethereal solution was evaporated at reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on alumina, eluting with toluene and by crystallisation from methanol aflorded 4-methyl 17,8 methoxy-17a-penta-1,3-diynyloestra-1,3,5(10)-triene, A 241 mu. (6, 375, 255 m (e, 366), Ainf 262 m (e, 271), 269 mu (5, 186);

7 2255 emf P 777, 737 0111.

max. max.

OH Me I Anhydrous toluene-p-sulphonic acid (0.5 g.) in toluene (50 ml.) was added during minutes to a stirred solution of 17a-butadiynyl-4-methyl-oestra-1,3,5 ()-triene-17fl-ol (4.35 g.) and dihydropyran (24 ml.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (80 ml.) at 10 C., and the mixture stored in the dark at room temperature for two days, and then poured into a saturated aqueous solution of potassium bicarbonate (200 ml.) The steroidal product was extracted with ether and crystallised from methanol containing a trace of pyridine affording 17,8 (tetrahydro 2-pyranyloxy)-17u-butadiyny1-4-methyl-oestra-1,3,5( 10 -triene.

Liquid ammonia (140 ml.) containing sodium (1.0 g.) and a trace of ferric nitrate was stirred until the blue colour had disappeared and then cooled to -60 C. 175- (tetrahydro 2' pyranyloxy) 17a-butadiynyl-4-methyl oestra-1,3,5(10)-triene (3.7 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (60 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 30 minutes. Methyl iodide (3.2 ml.) in anhydrous tetrahydroturan (10 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture stirred for a further two hours and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was collected by extraction with ether, dissolved in methanol and treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.25 g.) with gentle heating. Water was added until crystallisation occurred and, after cooling, the steroidal product Was collected and crystallised from methanol atfording 17,8 hydroxy 4-methyl-17ot-penta-1',3'-diynyloestra-1,3,5(10)-triene, M.P. 192.5 C., [21 -46 (c, 1.19 in dioxan).

Liquid ammonia (200 ml.) containing sodium (0.32 g.) and a trace of ferric nitnate was stirred until the blue colour disappeared, and then cooled to 60 C. 1701 butadiynyl oestra 1,3,5(l0) trien 17,8 01 (4.2 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for .a, further 10 minutes. Methyl iodide (4.5 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.) was added during 10 minutes and the mixture was stirred for a further 2 hours and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, the ether solution was evaporated at reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by chromatography on alumina, eluting with toluene, and by crystallisation from methanol afiording 17fi-II1Btl10Xy-170cpenta-l',3-diynyl-oestra-1,3,5( 10) -triene,

712,12? 242 my (6, 428), 256.5 my. (6, 507), 274 m (e, 498 1 35; 2250 amt- 10 EXAMPLE 1o 2,3-dihydropyran (7.5 ml.) and phosphoryl chloride (0.06 ml.) were added to 17a-butadiynyl-17fi-hydroxyoestra-1,3,5(l0)-triene (2.73 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (150 ml.). The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 /2 hours and then poured into an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, recovered by evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure, dissolved in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ml.) and added to sodamide, prepared from sodium (0.23 g.) in liquid ammonia (200 ml.) at -60 C. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, treated with methyl iodide (2.5 ml.) in tetrahydrofuran (20 ml.), stirred for a further 2 hours, and poured on to ice. The steroidal product was extracted with ether, recovered by evaporation of the solvent at reduced pressure, dissolved in methanol ml.). A drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added, the solution boiled for 5 minutes and poured into water. The steroidal product was collected by extraction with ether and purified by chromatography on an alumina column, eluting with toluene and by crystallisation from aqueous methanol, aifording 17,8-hydroxy 17a penta 1',3' diynyl-oestra- 1,3,5(10)-triene.

A 222? 266.5 (e, 452), 274. m (6, 435), .53 3005, 2240 emai 1 3,2; 1379, 1358, 1202, 1051, 1020, 739 01117 EXAMPLE 11 3,17,6-dimethoxy-17a-(hexa-1',3"-diynyl)- oestra-1,3,5( 10)-triene OMe Me 3,175 d-imethoxy 17oz butadiynyl oestra-1,3,5(10)- triene (1.24 g.) (prepared as described in Example 2) in anhydrous tetrahydrofunan (25 ml.) was added to sodamide (from 0.15 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in stirred liquid ammonia at --60 C. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, treated with ethyl iodide (1.25 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (5 ml.),. stirred for 2 /2 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during a further /2 hour and poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and purified by chromatography on alumina, eluting with toluene, and by crystallisation from methanol, affording 3,175 dimethoxy 17a (hexa 1,3' diynyl)-oestra- 1,3,5(10)-triene, as needles, NMR 6.231 (17/3-OMe), 6.601- (B-OMe), 9.1361- (13 Me);

A532? 278 m (e, 2045),

2242, 1009, 1498 cut- MeO max.

M.P. 805 C., [01],; --53 (0, 0.22 in dioxan).

1 1 EXAMPLE 12 17a-(n-hepta-1',3'-diynyl)-3-methoxyoestra-1,3,5( 10) triene- 1713-01 on Me ogo-0504:3111

MeO

2,3-dihydropyran (32 ml.) and phosphoryl chloride (0.25 ml.) were added to a solution of 17a-butadiyny1-3- methoxy-oestra 1,3,5 (10) triene-l7/3-ol (12.8 g.) (C. Burgess, D. Burn, P. Feather, M. Howarth and V. Petrow, Tetrahedron, 1965, 21, 1197) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (640 ml.). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2% hours, and then poured into a solution of sodium bicarbonate (7 g.) in water. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether, and the amorphous l7a-butadiyny1 3 methoxy-l7fl-(tetrahydro- 2'-pyanyloxy)-0estra-1,3,5(l0)-triene obtained was used for the next stage of the process.

The foregoing compound (8 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (80 ml.) was added to sodamide (from 0.35 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia ('150 ml.) at 60 C. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, treated with n-propyl iodide (14 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (25 ml.), stirred for a further 4 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflex temperature during a further 30 minutes, and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and treated in ethanol (200 ml.) with concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.2 ml.). The mixture was heated briefly on the steam-bath, water was added, and the steroidal product was extracted with ether. Purification by thin-layer chromatography on silica-gel, eluting with toluene/ethyl acetate, and by crystallisation from hexane, alforded l7oz-(n-hepta-1,3-diynyl)-3-methoxy oestra- 1,3,5(l)-trien-17fi-ol, M.P. 65.5 C., [a] 48.5 (c, 0.67 in dioxan);

A232? 220 m e, 8700), 279 mu (6, 1980), 28711111 (6, 1890); W 259 m (6, 587 mp); 11 3610, 2240,1610, 1497 17a-butadiynyl-3-methoxy 17 3 (tetrahydro 2'- pyranyloxy)-oestra-1,3,5(l0)-triene (8 g.), prepared as described in the preceding example, in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (65 ml.) was added to sodamide (from 0.35 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia (175 ml.) at 60 C. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, treated with ethyl iodide (2.75 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (15 ml.), stirred for a further 2 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflex temperature during a further 1 hour, and poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and treated briefly in boiling methanol (1 litre) with 4 N hydrochloric acid ml.).Water (250 ml.) was added A512? 278 m (6, 2070); A553, 287 m 1 (6, 1960); XE)? 219 my. (6, 10000); xfiP 258 mu (6, 634)- 1 3600,

7 max. 2240, 1609, 1497 cmr 11,9 2; 1256, 1238, 1042 cm.-

EXAMPLE 14 17u-(penta-1',3'-diynyl)androst-S-ene-Zlfi,17p-diol 3fl,17,8-bis(tetrahydro 2' pyranyloxy) 17a butadiynyl-androst-S-ene (4.0 g.) (prepared as described in Example 4) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (60 ml.) was added to sodalmide (from 1.0 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in stirred liquid ammonia (15 0 ml.) at -60 C. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, methyl iodide (7.5 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (20 ml.) was added, and stirring was continued for 2 hours at 60 C. and for an additional 30 minutes while warming to reflux temperature. The mixture was poured onto ice, and the steroidal product, isolated by extraction with ether, was treated in ethanol ml.) with concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.25 ml.) with gentle heating. Water was added and the steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and purified by crystallisation from benzene and from aqueous methanol, aflording 17a- (penta- 1',3'-diynyl)-androst 5 ene 30,175 diol as colourless plates, M.P. 236 C., [od 167" (c, 0.90 in dioxan);

A223? 227 me (e, 332); 241 my. (6, 338); 254.5 my. (6, 202); 11:31 3490, 2230, 1045 cm.

EXAMPLE 15 17fi-ethoxy- 1 7a- (hexa-l ',3'-diynyl) 3 methoxy-oestra- 1,3,5 l0) triene 0 Et ogo-425041.11,

MeO

17a-butadiynyl-3 methoxy oestra 1,3,5 (10) trien- 17fl-ol (4.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 ml.) was added to sodarnide (from 1.0 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in stirred liquid ammonia ml.) at 70 C. The mixture was stirred for a further 20 minutes, ethyl iodide (10.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (30 ml.) was added and stirring was continued for 5 /2 hours. The mixture was poured on to ice and the steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether. Purification by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with toluene/ethyl acetate, and by crystallisation from methanol/methylene dichloride, afforded 17B- ethoxy-17a-(hexa-1,3 diynyl) 3 methoxy oestra l,3,5(l0)-triene M.P. 71.5 C., [u] 42 (c, 0.85 in chloroform) 17oz butadiynyl-17fi-hydroxy 19 nrandrost-4-en-3- one (3.43 g.) and ethylene glycol (4.2 ml.) were added to benzene (200 ml.) and a small volume of solvent was distilled off to remove traces of moisture. Toluene-p-sulphonic acid (0.07 g.) was added and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hours with continuous removal of water. The cooled reaction mixture was diluted with ether, washed with a solution of potassium carbonate in water and then with water, dried and freed from solvent at reduced pressure, affording a mixture of the A and A -l7a-butadiynyl 17/5 hydroxy-3ethylenedioxy-19- norandrostenes, which was treated, in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (200 ml.) with 2,3-dihydropyran (10.0 ml.) and phosphoryl chloride (0.08 ml.) for 2 /2 hours at room temperature. The resulting solution was added to aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and the amorphous mixture of the A and A -17a-butadiynyl-17B- (tetrahydro-2'-pyranyloxy)3-ethylenedioxy 19 norandrostenes obtained was used for the next stage of the process.

The foregoing mixture (2.85 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (75 ml.) was added to'sodamide (from 0.27 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia (100 ml.) at 60 C. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes, treated with methyl iodide (2.28 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml), stirred for a further 2 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during a further 1 hour and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and treated in methanol (150 ml.) with 3 N hydro chloric acid (56 ml.) at 60 C. for minutes. The methanolic solution was added to water and the steroidal prodnot was isolated by extraction with ether. Purification by crystallisation from ether afforded l7 3-hydroxy-l7a- (penta-1,3'-diynyl)19-norandrost 4 en-3-one, M.P. 117.5 C., [od 94 C. (1.28 in dioxan);

xEtOH 239 my (6, 16,150); .33 3609, 224.2, 1677, 1622 max. em."

EXAMPLE 17 l7fl-hydroxy-l7a-(hexa-l-3'-diynyl) -19-norandrost- 4-en-3-one OH Me I 3 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during a further 1 hour, and then poured onto ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and treated in methanol (125 ml.) with 3 N hydro chloric acid (47 ml.) at 60 C. for 15 minutes. The methanolic solution was added to water and the steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether. Purification by thin-layer chromatography on silica-gel, eluting with toluene/ethyl acetate, and by crystallisation from aqueous methanol, afforded 17,8 hydroxy-17a-(hexa-1', 3'-diynyl) 19 norandrost-4-en-3-one, M.P. 163 C., [061 --101 (c, 0.6 in dioxan);

A332? 240 m (6, 17,300 V35; 3605, 2235, 1670, 1620 cm.- w 1255, 1048 cm."

I max.

EXAMPLE 18 The mixture of A and 41 -l7u-butadiynyl-17 8-(tetrahydro-2-pyranyloxy)3-ethylenedioxy 19 norandrostenes (2.35 g.) (prepared in Example 16) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (70 ml.) was added to sodamide (from 0.23 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia ml.) at 60 C. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes, treated with n-propyl iodide (3.4 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml), stirred for a further 3 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during a further 1 hour, and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and treated in methanol ml.) with 3 N hydrochloric acid (46 ml.) at 60 C. for 15 minutes. The methanolic solution was added to water and the steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether. Purification by thin-layer chromatography on silica-gel, eluting with toluene/ethyl acetate, and by crystallisation from aqueous methanol, afforded 17p-hydroxy-17u-(n-hepta-l', 3'-diynyl 19 norandrost-4-en-3-one, M.P. 199.5 C., 95 (c, 1.0 in dioxan);

240 m (6, 17,100); 1 3698, 1677, 1622 cm.

EXAMPLE 19 c- (penta-1',4'-diynyl)175-hydroxy-androst- 4-en-3-one The cooled reaction mixture was diluted with ether, washed with a solution of potassium carbonate in water and then with Water, dried and freed from solvent at reduced pressure giving amorphous 3-ethylenedioxy-17abutadiynyl-17/3-hydroxy-androst-5-ene which was treated, in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 ml.), with 2,3-dihydropyran (5.0 m1.) and phosphoryl chloride (0.04 ml.) for 2 /2 hours at room temperature. The resulting solution was added to aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and the amorphous 17ot-butadiynyl17,8-(tetrahydro-2'- pyranyloxy)3ethylenedioxyandrost-S-ene obtained was used for the next stage of the process.

The foregoing compound (2.78 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (75 ml.) was added to sodamide (from 0.23 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia (100 ml.) at 60 C. The mixture was stirred for minutes, treated with methyl iodide (2.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.), stirred for a further 2 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during a further 1 hour, and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and the 17a-(penta-1,3'-diynyl))-17/5-(tetrahydro- 2-pyranyloxy) 3 ethylenedioxy-androst-S-ene obtained was treated in methanol (150 ml.) with 3 N hydrochloric acid (52.5 ml.) at 60 C. for minutes. The methanolic solution was poured into water and the steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether. Purification by chromatography on alumina, eluting with toluene/ether, and by crystallisation from benzene, afforded crystalline 17oz (penta-1',3'-diyny1)-17,8-hydroxy-androst-4-en-3one, M.P. 134.5 C., [01], -45 (c., 1.20 in dioxan); Amax, 241 m (6, 14,900). The crystals contained benzene of crystallisation which was removed by heating at 130 C. in high vacuum, to give an amorphous product.

EXAMPLE 17a-(hexa-1'3-diynyl)-17 8-hydroxy-androst-4-en-3-one 17a-butadiynyl 17/3 (tetrahydro 2' pyranyloxy)-3- ethylenedioxy-androst-S-ene (2.70 g.) (prepared as described in Example 19) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (75 ml.) was added to sodamide (from 0.23 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia (100 ml.) at 60 C. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes, treated with ethyl iodide (4.0 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.), stirred for a further 3 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during a further 1 hour, and then poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and treated in methanol (150 ml.) with 3 N hydrochloric acid (51 ml.) at 60 C. for 15 minutes. The methanolic solution was poured into water and the steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether. Purification by thin-layer chromatography on silica-gel, eluting with toluene/ethyl acetate, and by crystallisation from acetone/hexane afforded 17u-(hexa-l',3'-diynyl)17fl-hydroxy-androst-4-en- 3-one, M.P. 125 C., [1x1 38 (0., 0.62 in dioxan);

AEtOH max.

240 III .4 (6, 14,200)

16 EXAMPLE 21 ose-0504111,

A mixture of 2,3-dihydropyran (10 ml.), 17u-butadiynyl-oestra-1,3,5(l0)-triene-3,17fl-diol (2.21 g.), phosphoryl chloride (0.05 ml.) and anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ml.) was stirred at room temperature for 2 /2 hours and poured into a solution of sodium bicarbonate 1.5 g.) in water. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether, and the 17u-butadiynyl-3,17 9-bis(tetrahydro-2'-pyranyloxy)-oestra-1,3,5 10)-triene obtained, in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (40 ml.) was added to sodamide (from 0.23 g. of sodium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia (70 ml.) at 60 C. .The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, treated with methyl iodide (2.28 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (5 ml.), stirred for 3 hours at 60 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during 30 minutes and then poured onto ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether and treated in ethanol (75 ml.) with concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.1 ml.). The mixture was heated briefly on the steambath, water was added, and the steroidal product was extracted with ether. Purification by chromatography on alumina, eluting with toluene/ ether mixtures and with ether, and by crystallisation from ether/petroleum ether, afforded 17a-(penta-1',3-diynyl)- oestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17B-diol, M.P. 148-158 C., [etfervescent] A 281 mg (e, 1,870), k 287 m (e, 1,700), [M 48 (c., 0.81 in dioxan).

EXAMPLE 22 on ---oEo-0Eo-om MeO 17a butadiynyl 3 methoxy oestra 1,3,5 10)- trien 17,3 01 (3.34 g.) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (45 ml.) was added to lithamide (from 0.28 g. of lithium and a trace of ferric nitrate) in liquid ammonia (100 ml.) at 70 C. The mixture was stirred for 45 minutes, treated with methyl iodide (9 g.) i anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml.), stirred for 2 hours at 70 C., allowed to warm to reflux temperature during a further 1 hour, and poured on to ice. The steroidal product was isolated by extraction with ether. Purification by thinlayer chromatography on silica-gel, which had been treated with silver nitrate, eluting with toluene/ethyl acetate, and crystallisation from hexane aiforded 17B (penta 1', 3 diynyl) 3 methoxy-oestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17fl-ol, identical with the product of Example 6.

We claim:

1. A process for the preparation of alka 1',3'- diynyl steroids having the partial formula where R is an alkyl group containing not more than carbon atoms and R is H, Me, Et or tetrahydropyranyl which process comprises alkylating under anhydrous conditions a metal derivative of the corresponding 17a-buta diynyl steroid having the partial formula "CEO-CECE where R has the same meaning as above.

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein a derivative of Hot-butadiynyl steroid having the partial Formula II in which the terminal atom of the butadiynyl chain has been displaced by an alkali-metal is reacted with the appropriate alkyl halide in an anhydrous medium.

3. A process as claimed in claim 2 wherein the alkalimetal derivative of the 170: butadiynyl steroid is prepared by adding a solution of the steroid in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran to the amide of the alkali-metal in liquid ammonia.

4. A process as claimed in claim 3 wherein the alkalimetal derivative is the lithium derivative, the molar ratio of lithamide to 170: butadiynyl 17B hydroxy steroid is not less than 1.1 employing an alkyl halide containing not more than 5 carbon atoms and the corresponding 17a-alka-1',3'-diynyl-17fi-hydroxy steroid is formed.

5. A process as claimed in claim 3 wherein the molar ratio of sodamide to 1704 butadiynyl 17p hydroxy steroid is not less than 2:1 employing methyl or ethyl iodide as the alkyl halide and the corresponding 17a-a1ka- 1',3-diynyl-17,8-alkoxy steroid is formed directly as the main product.

6. A process as claimed in claim 3 wherein when R' is lower alkyl or tetrahydropyranyl the alkali-metal amide is employed in a 3-fold excess.

7. 3,17fi dimethoxy 17oz penta-1',3-diynyl-oestra- 1,3,5'(10)-triene.

8. 3,173 dimethoxy 17oz penta-1',3'-diyny1-oestra- 2,5 )-diene.

9. 17a penta 1',3 diynyl 17,8-methoxy-19-norandrost-4-en-3-one.

10. 17u-hexa-1',3-diyny1-androst-5-en-3;3,1713-diol.

11. 17a penta 1,3 diynyl-3-methoxy-oestra-1,3,5 10) -trien-17,3-ol.

12. 17 3 hydroxy 4 methyl-17a-penta-1',3'-diynyloestra-1,3,5 (10)-triene.

13. 175 hydroxy 17a penta-1,3'-diynyl-oestra-1,3, 5 10') -triene.

1'4. 175 ethoxy 17a (hexa-1',3'-diyny1)-3-methoxyoestra, 1,3,5 (10)-triene.

15. 1706 penta 1,3 diynyl-17B-hydroxy-androst-4- en-3-one.

16. 17a-a1ka-1',3'-diynyl steroids having the formula Me j where R"=H, OH, or OR and R"'=H or Me (where R =alkyl containing not more than 12 carbon atoms) and where R=an alkyl group containing not more than 5 carbon atoms, and R"=H, Me, Et or tetrahydropyranyl group.

17. 1705 alka 1',3' diynyl steroids having the formula where R"=H or :O, and R'=H or Me and OR X=|--CECCECR where R=an alkyl group containing not more than 5 carbon atoms, and R=H, "Me, Et or tetrahydropyranyl group.

18. 17a-alka-1',3'-diynyl steroids having the formula where R =alkyl group containing up to 5 carbon atoms and OR X=|---OECCECR where R=an alkyl group containing not more than 5 carbon atoms, and R=H, Me, Et or tetrahydropyranyl group.

19. 17m-alka-1,3'-diynyl steroids having the formula RI! where R"=H or Me and OR X=LOEC-CECR where R=an alkyl group containing not more than 5 carbon atoms, and R=H, Me, lEt or tetrahydropyranyl group.

20. 17a-alka-1,3'-diyny1 steroids having the formula 3,164,617 1/ 1965 Feather et a1. 260397.4

ELBERT L. ROBERTS, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

